If your co-leader and you are thinking about giving each of your scouts a gift at bridging, or you want to give your daughter a special bridging gift, here are some ideas for you.
Updated May 2023
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This is a very busy time of year for leaders. Many who would have bridged with their troop in the spring or over the summer had to wait until now to have the ceremony. Even after waiting months, it still does not look like what you would have planned. Girl Scout bridging during a pandemic is nothing that leaders have experienced in modern history.
No matter what what your Girl Scout bridging ceremony looks like, here are some ideas for you to give to your girls.
Do You Need to Give Your Girl Scouts a Bridging Gift?
The short answer is no, you do not have to give a gift to your troop. Many leaders choose to because it is a token to commemorate a Girl Scout milestone. Crafty leaders have used their Cricut machines and create something special, like personalized drawstring bags with the troop number on them.
Available on Amazon in Different Colors
Other leaders have made personalized basball caps for the girls to take camping, on field trips, or to use at any outdoor activity. There are choices of colors to match the level your girls are moving to.
Other leaders have given token gifts, like a box of Brownie mix for Daisies who are bridging to Brownies, or a box of Junior Mints for Brownies bridging to Juniors.
There is no right or wrong thing to do. Just be sure to have a conversation with your co-leader so you are both on the same page about giving a gift and the cost per girl that you are willing to spend. Remember, this is coming our of your pockets, not troop funds.
Picture Frames
This is an easy to give keepsake that works for every level of scouts. Take a troop picture or a solo picture of each girl in uniform. If you want, she can hold a sign with the troop number on it. Upload the photos to Walgreens. You can pick them up in store to save shipping or have them shipped to your house.
You can use the framed photos as part of your tablescape for your food (if you are allowed to serve any).
Bulk Acrylic Frames Available on Amazon
Mess Kits
For younger scouts who have not yet gone camping, giving each girl her own mess kit is a useful gift. If you plan on taking your troop camping at least twice a year, give them a high quality kit. It will be used for many years. A cheap mess kit will need to be replaced.
Uniform Hangers
You can give each girl a special hanger for her uniform. On each hanger, write the girl’s name and your troop number with a Sharpie. If you have a Cricut, you can write her name with that. Tie a ribbon around the hook that is the color of the level she is bridging.
These wooden hangers come in a 10 pack.
Kites
Girls are “flying up” to a new level. Why not give each girl this kite that she can personalize?
Bridging Gifts for Older Girl Scouts
Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors can be given something a bit more substantial because they are older and (hopefully) more repsonsible. Here are some ideas for you.
For Juniors bridging to Cadettes, it is a tradition to give them a key during the ceremony. You can read all about it and find different kinds of keys in this blog post.
Bottlecap Necklace
This necklace is makes a delightful bridging gift or holiday gift.
A thoughtful bridging or holiday gift for your Ambassador troop.
Compass Necklace
If you are a very active outdoor troop, this compass necklace is a beautiful keepsake for your older girls who are bridging. This is just one of many styles of available.
Pearl Necklace
Juliette Gordon Low sold her pearls to get the necessary money to keep the Girl Scout movement afloat. Older scouts should be familiar with this story after scouting for so many years. Here are some pretty necklaces.
Inspirational Bracelet
This set of inspirational bracelets comes in a three pack.
Graduation Cords
My daughter and her best friend were able to wear their Girl Scout cords at graduation. We asked permission ahead of time, so before purchasing, you will need to do the same.
These cords are less expensive than the ones you will find at the Girl Scout shop.
Girl Scout Bridge to Adult Patches
In my Etsy shop, I have the following patches, as well as certificates, for Ambassadors who are bridging to Adult. These patches can be put on their current vest, their adult vest (or buy two, one for each) or placed in shadow box.
Girl Scout Bridging Gift Bags
If you are giving a smaller gift, these lunch bags are already decorated for bridging. They come in a 24 pack.
